Chapter 12 Think It Over In the grand halls of Carter Manor. The butler threw a quick look at Madeline who had been closely trailing behind Derek, barely hiding his disdain. He thought Madeline a calculating figure, a stark contrast to the graceful Norah. The entire family gathered around the dinner table. Juliana, eyeing the fragile–looking Madeline seated next to Derek with displeasure, burst out, “Derek, we’re having a family gathering today. What’s the reason for inviting strangers?” Derek’s face tensed. Next to him, Madeline lifted her gaze, her eyes welling up with tears, as she silently stared at Juliana, words failing her. Kathy stepped in, “Grandmother, Madeline is an old friend of Derek’s. How can you consider her a stranger?” While serving soup to Juliana, Kathy added, “Grandmother, anger harms the body. Please don’t have any hard feelings.” Regaining calm, Derek explained, “Grandmother, as you’re aware, my heart has always belonged to Madeline. My marriage to Norah was arranged when I was on my deathbed, without any emotional bond between Norah and me. Continuing that marriage would only cause us both misery. In case of a divorce, I’ll ensure Norah is compensated adequately…” Juliana cut him off sharply, “Compensated? With your properties and vehicles? Can they match the years of youth Norah dedicated to you? She devoted herself to your care for two years. Your recovery is due to her efforts. Remember how you once chased after Madeline like she was your everything? And when you were at your lowest after the accident, she turned her back on you! Norah was the one by your bedside, not her! Having stumbled once, do you wish to make the same mistake?” Sharon chimed in, “Madeline becoming part of the Carter family? That’s a laughable thought! Not in this lifetime! Over my dead body!” Madeline rose and knelt before Juliana, her tears streaming. “Juliana, Sharon, I apologize. I know I failed Derek. Since our separation, I’ve been in agony. Having missed him dearly 14:55 0.0% 68% Chapter 12 Think It Over every day, the past two years without him have been unbearable. This torment made me realize I couldn’t live without him! Now that I’m back, I’m determined to dedicate my life to making things with Derek. My actions will show my true feelings for him!” Madeline’s seemingly sincere plea touched Derek deeply. He moved to Juliana’s side, imploring, “Grandma, please, Madeline and I share a genuine love. We seek your blessing.” Juliana sighed deeply, bracing for more conflict. Kathy quickly offered Juliana some food, urging, “Grandma, please try some food.” Sharon, watching Kathy’s actions, couldn’t hide her irritation. “Kathy, have you forgotten the days Derek was confined to his sickbed? Defending Madeline, do you still consider yourself a part of the Carter family?” Kathy, standing her ground, responded, “I am, without a doubt, a Carter family.” Kathy looked around at her family, then said, “But, shouldn’t Derek have a say in hist marriage? Grandma, you were the one who insisted on bringing Norah into our home. Derek was too sick to know this arrangement back then. His heart had always set on Madeline.” The quietness enveloped the Carter family’s living room. Juliana, holding her bowl of soup, looked down into it and stated, “Let’s start our meal first.” As lunch proceeded, everyone was lost in thought, trying to read the minds of others at the table. Juliana couldn’t hide her frustration at Madeline’s innocent facade and abruptly set down. her spoon, demanding, “Derek, I need to speak with you in the study.” Sharon interjected, “We haven’t finished eating. Can’t this wait until after the meal?” “Missing one meal won’t harm anyone.” Juliana’s sharp look quickly silenced Sharon, who dared not say anything more. Derek’s hold on his fork grew tense. “Derek, why don’t you head up first? Your grandma must want a private word with you. She’s only trying to protect us from the conversation. After all, you’re her favorite grandchild. She means well,” Madeline suggested kindly, placing her fork down and gently taking Derek’s hand. Hearing Madeline’s gentle words, Derek calmed down a bit. “Thank you, Madeline. I’ll persuade my grandma to accept you. She’ll come to appreciate you.” 14:55 27.6% 68% Chapter 12 Think It Over Madeline modestly averted her gaze. “That doesn’t matter. Being by your side is all I ask for. I won’t hate your grandma and mother even if they treat me with that attitude.” Sharon exploded, “What exactly are you implying? You bitch! How dare you talk about me like this in front of Derek? Is this how you repay our hospitality?” Exhausted by the tension, Derek soothed Madeline and Sharon before heading to the study. Quietly settling down beside Juliana, Derek hesitantly said, “Grandma, Madeline is the woman I want to spend my life with. Plus, the Powell family and Carter family share similar backgrounds. Why are you so against her?” “You’ve been with Norah for two years, yet I’ve never seen you this committed to her. Why shouldn’t I have reservations about
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Madeline? Must I remind you of her past actions?” Juliana fixed Derek with a stern gaze, standing firm. “While you were bedridden, you were oblivious to the circumstances that led the Carter family to bring Norah into our home.” Derek responded with a touch of indifference, “The marriage between the Carter and Wilson. family was nothing more than a strategic alliance. The Wilson family sought financial gain, while the Carter family hoped for a devoted daughter–in–law. Everyone in Glophia knows about Luna’s disgrace. Norah, a lesser–known daughter of the Wilson family, managed to secure her place and remained unproblematic as Mrs. Carter for two years. The reasoning behind it escapes me.” Juliana’s voice was calm and measured, saying, “Back when you were confined in bed, I vividly remembered the seer’s words who once foretold your destiny when you were just a child. He warned of a grave challenge ahead and mentioned that marriage to a guardian. angel would be crucial for your recovery. Yet, who among Glophia’s esteemed young ladies would have looked your way back then? Norah stepped forward, courageously joining our family and dedicating two years to taking care of you with unwavering devotion. Have these efforts slipped your mind? Norah’s marked the beginning of your miraculous recovery. Her contribution was vital.” Derek cast his gaze downward, his expression shadowed and complex. “All this was beyond. my knowledge. I’ll ensure Norah is fairly compensated for her dedication over these two years.” “Is monetary compensation enough to replace two lost years of youth?” Juliana sighed, her greatest concern being her usually sensible grandson’s unexplainable stubbornness in a particular matter. “How can you overlook Norah’s merits?” 14:55 58.5% 68% Chapter 12 Think It Over Reflecting on her recent talk with Norah, Juliana concluded, “I’ve made my point clear. That woman out there is not qualified as your wife. You need to give this some serious thought.” Derek stayed quiet like a statue without uttering a word for quite some time. a tranquil Meanwhile, oblivious to the discussions unfolding at Carter Manor, Norah enjoyed a rest, followed by her skincare routine and a leisurely lunch, and then reached out to Derek with a message. 14:55